Coach rips into our defensive breakdowns. Eli reenacts a play in the middle of the aisle. Colby tries to barter dessert before dinner with a waiter.
But I’m only half in it. Because every time she laughs and looks away…
Every time she sips her drink and licks her lips gloss…
Every time her gaze glances toward me and immediately darts away...
Want hits harder.
It’s not just physical anymore. It’s worse. It’s everything.
"Vargas, looks like you did a belly flop trying to block that last goal. Very graceful, man." I say to distract myself.
"I thought it was kind of sexy," Mia adds.
"See, Blackhorn, I did it for my lady, so you can kiss my ass. And if I remember correctly, it was effective."
Dex, of course chimes in. "Yeah, Eli, the ice is water, but it's not for swimming."
"Really, Dex? You spent so much time in the penalty box today, that I thought you just wanted to be alone."
"I like the sin bin sometimes. It's quiet."
"What are you doing in there, adjusting your jock strap?" Bobby McDermott jokes.
Janie interjects with a smile. "Who are you kidding, Bobby? You guys always have your hands in your pants, especially when watching TV."
“Busted!” Colby smirks and raises his glass to toast her.
Just then Erwin Hacker stands up with his glass. "Before this conversation goes downhill any further, I just want to say I am proud of this team this season. Despite our loss today, we are in good standing. Let's put this behind us and move forward. Next week we face the last place team. It should be a sure win. So, I toast to the Nashville Outlaws. Keep up the good work."
We all raise our glasses.
***
Eventually the plates are cleared and the group disperses toward the hotel. Annabelle walks ahead. I fall into step beside her.
She doesn’t look at me. “Bryce.”
“Belle.”
Her breath stutters. She hates that it does.
“We can’t,” she says quietly.
“Yeah?” I ask. “Then why does it feel like we already are?”
She stops walking. Eyes sharp. Voice low.
“This isn’t sustainable. You’re a player. I work for the organization. My father owns the team. He's here. This isn’t just impulsive, it’s reckless.”
I step closer. Subtle, but not gentle.
“You think I don’t know all that?”
She swallows.
“I’m trying to protect both of us.”
